A Minnesota mother who made headlines earlier this year after being caught on video hurling racial slurs at a child is now facing criminal charges.
The incident, which took place at Soldiers Field Memorial Park in Rochester on April 28, has resurfaced with fresh legal consequences.
Shiloh Hendrix, 36, was filmed during a heated exchange after allegedly calling an eight-year-old Black boy the N-word.
Instead of denying it, she doubled down in front of the camera, repeating the slur while holding her toddler and flashing obscene gestures at the man filming.
City Officials Step In
This week, Rochester city officials confirmed that Hendrix has been charged with three counts of disorderly conduct.
Each charge carries up to 90 days in jail and a possible $1,000 fine.
Mayor Kim Norton acknowledged the broader impact of the event, saying the slur-laced outburst deeply hurt local communities of color and stirred difficult conversations across the city.
She emphasized the city’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and healing after what she called a “deeply affecting” incident.
What Sparked the Incident
According to the complaint, the situation began when the boy, who is described as “profoundly and visibly autistic,” took applesauce from Hendrix’s diaper bag at the park.
Both the child’s father and Hendrix gave chase to retrieve it. That’s when Hendrix allegedly began shouting the racial slur at the boy.
A bystander stepped in, confronting Hendrix and recording the exchange.
When pressed about her language, Hendrix responded with more insults, gestures, and expletives.
At one point, she even admitted she might hit the child, further escalating tensions.
Parents of the Child Speak Out
The child’s parents, who have chosen to remain anonymous for safety reasons, released a statement through the Rochester NAACP.
They said their son had suffered unimaginable pain from the ordeal and called for full accountability.
“We will not rest until justice is served,” the parents declared, also asking the public for financial help as they face emotional, legal, and medical challenges ahead.
They further requested authorities prevent others from profiting off their tragedy.
Hendrix’s Fundraising Sparks Controversy
What fueled even more outrage was Hendrix’s reaction after the video went viral.
She launched an online fundraiser, claiming she needed money to protect her family and possibly relocate after being doxed.
The fundraiser quickly ballooned to over $800,000, with Hendrix originally setting a $1 million goal.
Her plea painted herself as the victim, saying she had been unfairly attacked online and that her family’s safety was at risk.
Her supporters praised her for “defending free speech,” while critics slammed the fundraiser as rewarding racist behavior and undermining accountability.
Community Divided
By June, Hendrix was updating her donors, insisting her family was “doing great” and thanking supporters who refused to believe what she called “misinformation.”
She positioned herself as a defender of free expression, telling backers to “keep fighting for the First Amendment.”
But for many in Rochester, the core issue remains the lasting trauma inflicted on a young boy and his family.
The city is now trying to balance justice with healing, while Hendrix prepares to face the consequences in court.
What Happens Next
With charges officially filed, Hendrix’s case will move through the legal system.
If convicted, she faces jail time, fines, and the possibility of her massive fundraiser being redirected toward legal fees.
Meanwhile, the boy’s parents are seeking both justice and protection as their case becomes a flashpoint in broader debates about racism, accountability, and community trust.
